The San Diego Chargers produced a strong showing under new head coach Mike McCoy in the 2013 season as they reached the divisional round of the AFC playoffs.
McCoy found life in quarterback Philip Rivers, who led his side to a nine-win season and the playoffs by the skin of their teeth. They overcame the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in the wildcard round.
However, the Denver Broncos proved to be too powerful for the Chargers as their campaign ended at Sports Authority Field.
Sports Mole looks back at their 2013 season.
Pre-season expectations
The Chargers' patience with Norv Turner finally ended with a 7-9 season in the 2012 campaign, while general manager AJ Smith's time also came to an end. Replacing them was McCoy who came over from divisional rivals the Denver Broncos, while Tom Telesco who took the GM reins. San Diego made additions in the Draft as DJ Fluker and Manti Te'o arrived to replace Jared Gaither and Takeo Spikes, while running back Danny Woodhead joined from the New England Patriots in a key free-agency move.
Highlight of the season
The end of the Chargers' regular season was steeped in drama. A victory over the Broncos in week 15 at Sports Authority Field was arguably their best performance of the campaign as they shut down Peyton Manning's high-powered offense with an effective running game and physical defensive play. That rollercoaster kept moving as the planets aligned for them to somehow creep into the playoffs as defeats for the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Ravens left them with a chance to get in with a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Against a second-string outfit they struggled and were in danger of being eliminated when Ryan Succop lined up a 41-yard kick with seconds remaining. But he missed and the Chargers secured the win in overtime. In the playoffs they travelled to the Bengals and laid down a hammering to give them their third one-and-done in a row in the post-season.
Biggest disappointment
Having already defeated the Broncos, the Chargers travelled to face John Fox's side in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs. Pundits backed McCoy's side to prevail again against Manning's offense due to their physical play and knowledge of the system. However, they failed to ever get going in the match as they failed to score in the first three quarters. A late rally gave them a chance as they pulled within seven points, but it proved to be one step too far for McCoy's side.
Player of the season
Philip Rivers had an excellent season for the Chargers. If Manning hadn't had the season he had for the Broncos, Rivers could have been in the discussion for the MVP award. After two seasons of struggle he was back to top form completing passes with ease and making clutch throws to win his side games. He brought the best out of rookie wide receiver Keenan Allen as the duo combined to get the Chargers offense clicking once again. The 32-year-old threw for the second-highest touchdown total of his career and equalled his best passer rating at 105.5 on his way to earning comeback player of the year.
Unsung hero
Danny Woodhead was a low-profile addition in the off-season and was signed for a relatively cheap deal after three years of solid production at the Patriots. The 29-year-old gave Rivers a quality pass-catching option out of the backfield that he hadn't had since the departure of Darren Sproles in 2011. Woodhead made clutch plays for the Chargers picking up vital yardage on third downs throughout the year. His 76 receptions for 605 yards may not look flashy but his play was invaluable to the success of Rivers and the team.
Off-season changes
The Chargers could do with adding to their secondary to give them a chance against the potent offense of the Broncos. Eric Weddle is one of the best in the NFL at safety but he could do with some help at the back. Upgrades could be needed for cornerbacks Shareece Wright and Richard Marshall if any players are available in the Draft and free agency, depending on how much they are willing to spend in the front office. Pass rushers are always needed, so they could also dip their wick in that market but the return of Melvin Ingram to full fitness could ease that burden. Antonio Gates is starting to decline slightly at the age of 33, Ladarius Green is a good option but some of the tight ends in the Draft may be too good to pass up.
2014 prospects
San Diego proved they could play against some of the best teams in the AFC as they beat the Chiefs, Broncos and the Bengals in the 2013 season. If they can match that level of performance with a lot riding on Rivers again, there's no reason why they couldn't reach the playoffs. They're playing in the toughest division in the AFC, which may be the reason to hold them back, but they are capable of winning 10 games in 2014.
Simon Sinclair
